Staff Profile
Irma Melunovic
Lecturer in Forensic Psychology
I am a Lecturer in Forensic Psychology currently in the final stages of completing my Ph.D. with a focus on investigative interviewing and individual characteristics. I have obtained an MSc degree in Forensic Psychology from Maastricht University in the Netherlands and a BSc degree in Behavioural Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia in Canada. Over the past four years, I have been conducting my Ph.D. project while also working as a research and clinical associate at a high-secure psychiatric hospital in England. In this role, I have gained expertise in delivering anti-aggression therapy with high-risk patients and formulating the risk of extreme violence for patients with complex mental health needs, using recognised risk assessment tools (e.g, HCR-20, SVR-20). My commitment to the field extends beyond academia, as I am trained as a hostage and crisis negotiator, showcasing my dedication to the practical application of my forensic psychology skills.
- School – School of Education, Language and Psychology
- Email – i.melunovic@yorksj.ac.uk
Teaching
I teach on undergraduate modules in the BSc Psychology course, mainly related to individual differences and personality. I am currently contributing to the following modules:
- PSY5004M-A - Assessment of Individual Differences
- PSY4007M-A - Personality and Individual Differences
Research
My research focuses on exploring how individual and personality characteristics of a police officer affect investigative interviewing of suspects. Specifically, my focus lies in understanding the dyadic interactions between suspects and interviewers throughout the interview process, and how these interactions affect the overall outcomes. Within this research, I am interested in exploring both adaptive and maladaptive characteristics, delving into traits associated with the Five Factor Personality and Dark Triad model, and examining the advantages and disadvantages they present for the investigative interviewing.
In addition to this primary area of focus, I have also undertaken research in different fields of forensic psychology, including hostage negotiation, relational security within prison and mental health services, and the long-term psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both staff and patients within high-secure services.
